My View, Ros Jones: Excitement growing ahead of cycle race

Stage 2 of The Tour De Yorkshire from Selby to York, 174KM, pictured Riders in the main peloton pass Beverley Minster.

Published:09:32Friday 22 January 2016

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This week marked 100 days until the start of the Tour de Yorkshire and the excitement in Doncaster is starting to grow.

I am delighted at how the local community is really embracing the event, from individuals to community groups, schools and local businesses.

It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm that so many people have for the ‘Tour’ and I have no doubt that the ideas they are starting to develop will make the race through Doncaster a real sight to remember.

In the last few days our community and business roadshows, organised with Tour de Yorkshire, have been taking place and hundreds of people have attended.

There are lots of ways that people can get involved, as we saw when the Tour de France came to Yorkshire. From polka dot painted buildings to yellow bikes and crowds in fancy dress along the route, the involvement of local people in the Grand Depart made it a huge success. As well as delivering the ‘feel good’ factor it was a real boost to communities, businesses and the local economy.

I hope we can achieve the same success in Doncaster and, given the interest that is already being shown, I have no doubt we will realise that ambition.

However, we need to keep up the momentum so if you are interested in getting involved, either through an event, or just as a spectator, now is the time to find out more.

If you have a creative spark, why not be part of Tour de Yorkshire’s new ‘lining the route’ land art competition. Land art has come to play a wonderful role in Yorkshire’s cycling legacy and it is a great way to show off local areas.

National and international audiences have enjoyed imaginative displays as the helicopters follow the peloton, with everything from farmers’ fields and market squares, to car parks and industrial estates, coming to life with bursts of colour and creativity.

In the new competition the public will vote for their favourite installation over the weekend of the tour and in the days that follow, so it would be great if Doncaster featured among the winners. To find out more about the competition visit the ‘le tour’ website at Tour de Yorkshire

On that note, I would also encourage you to keep up to date with the latest Tour de Yorkshire news in Doncaster by following our new Facebook and Twitter pages.

Just search for @TDYdoncaster or ‘TDY Doncaster Facebook’ to sign up. You can also find out more through the council website.

The Tour offers a great opportunity for local people to enjoy themselves and get involved in a national event.